Cellulose- and xylan-degrading yeasts: Enzymes, applications and biotechnological potential

Screening of cellulose-degrading yeast and evaluation of its potential for degradation of coconut oil cake

“…Approximately 70% of organic waste is biodegradable. Biological methods include microbial fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis utilizing microorganisms and their carbohydrate-active enzymes to depolymerize the lignocellulosic polysaccharides ( Suchova et al, 2022 ). Compared with other methods, the biological method is more economical, safer and more environmentally friendly, and feasible under mild conditions ( Danso et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Some studies applied genetic engineering to produce cellulase with high biomass saccharification at a low cost. Because microorganisms are the primary source of cellulolytic enzymes, exploring different ecological environments to find new candidate microorganisms will undoubtedly provide a basis for the development of more efficient enzyme systems and cellulase resources utilization ( Prasad et al, 2019 ; Lodha et al, 2020 ; Suchova et al, 2022 ). In general, cellulose-degrading bacteria are mainly isolated from decayed leaves, plants and feces of herbivorous animals.…”

“…In general, cellulose-degrading bacteria are mainly isolated from decayed leaves, plants and feces of herbivorous animals. Currently, researchers have excluded many capable microorganisms, including mostly bacteria and filamentous fungi ( Suchova et al, 2022 ). Bacteria are often regarded as potential candidates for cellulose degradation because of their rapid reproduction and ability for recombination ( Danso et al, 2022 ).…”

“…By contrast, the potential of yeast in cellulose degradation has yet to be fully understood or exploited. According to Suchova et al (2022) , the enzyme levels in polysaccharide-degrading yeast are less than the levels in filamentous fungi or bacteria. No more than 3,000 yeast species have been identified to date, with more than 90% of the existing fungal diversity requiring further development ( Boekhout et al, 2022 ).…”

“…No more than 3,000 yeast species have been identified to date, with more than 90% of the existing fungal diversity requiring further development ( Boekhout et al, 2022 ). Thus, newer yeasts with the ability to degrade polysaccharides and their overall biotechnological potential have yet to be established ( Suchova et al, 2022 ).…”